(Reworded review, but not changed) The U.S. needs more lagers like this (very much in the Munich Helles style).
I was amazed I was drinking a lager - thats a bit of an
exaggeration but here’s why - its so complex! A soft
tingling of hops, and gentle ale-fruit flavors were almost
noticeable. Maltiness was soft and sweet. In all other
respects its a world-class lager: bright golden color and light
but lasting head, clean refreshing flavor and beery aroma.
An outstanding alternative to any American Standard, if thats what you like.

Juicy, crisp, medium-full aroma. Wonderful full flavor of malts and hops entertwined, neither overpowering the other. Nothing dull or weak. Touch of subtle, toasted grain (oats and rye?) in the finish. One of the best helles I’ve ever had.

Pours a beautiful clear golden color, with a very fluffy white, long-lasting head that leaves a wonderful lace as it goes down the glass. A near-perfect balance of sweet malt and hops - neither dominates. Finishes crisp and clean. A great example of the Munich Helles type. The first one is great, but the second really impresses, because I made sure it was served in a non-frosted mug. The first was way too cold.

12 oz bottle. golden yellow, clear, with fluffy head. Muted falvors of straw, toast, maybe a little lemon? Very smooth body, not too high ABV. When looking for a light beer to drink in Spring or Summer, try this one. Stoudts tends to make very good beers in this style- light bodied, German inspired, brews. Try their Pils and Bocks and you will be pleased. Good stuff and at $32 a case- well worth it.

Tap at Pony. Pale straw-golden pour with a thin white head. The nose is fresh and clean with lots of light grassy straw flavoured malt and a bright, herbal/spicy nose. Fresh, spicy with a nice crisp finish. The flavour is great – excellent integration of light malt and soft noble hops. Fresh and chewy with a soft lingering finish. It’s reminds me of Brooklyn Lager – but it is lighter, crisper and fresher. Mmm – I’m a big fan of this one.

12 ounce bottle into pilsener glass, no bottle dating. Pours fairly clear golden straw color with a nice 1-2 finger dense fluffy white head with fantastic retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lasts. Nice soapy lacing clings down the glass, with a good amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big pear, grape, apple, pepper, bread, herbal, floral, grass, and earthy spiciness. Damn nice aromas with good strength, balance, and complexity. Taste of cracker, bready grain, apple, pear, herbal, floral, grass, pepper, light clove, and earthy spiciness. Lightly tart earthy bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of bread, light fruits, herbal, floral, grass, pepper, and earthy spiciness on the finish for a good bit. Nice amount of flavors with good balance; zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and body; with a very smooth and crisp mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with almost zero warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a very excellent Helles lager! Nice amount of flavors with good balance; extremely smooth and crisp to drink. A highly enjoyable offering as expected.

Pale gold. Thick, pasty bright-white head with slowly-forming rocks. Lightly airy aroma richened with toasted pale malts and juicy hops. Subdued graham, mineral, and perfume notes. Hint of dates and honey come out as it warms. Fuzzily soft carbonation. Struts its remarkable balance right off with rich toasted malt flavors interwoven with honeyed biscuits and some hop spice. Hint of acidity lessens the sweetness and deepens the brew. Hop spice slowly wanes into a softer, juicier texture and is continually softened by the pillowy malts and fluffy body. Finishes appetizingly dry, yet with perpetually thick malt flavors, along with coarse mineral aspecta underlain with delicately juicy hops and caramel-glazed malt hulls. Very true to style with plenty of dryness to highlight the perfumey elements. Not to mention the masterfully-extracted deep malt flavors. Just awesome.

Situation: First day of school--step one of 180...
Glassware: Samuel Smith lager glass...
Appearance: Foamy, frothy resistant white head; straw gold color with a thick bath of effervescent bubble, slow and steady...
Aroma: Sharp bitter pilsner malts release a bouquet of fragrant floral notes--fresh and robust...
Palate: solid, even, medium-bodied but engaging the mouth with strength; drinkable...
Taste: crisp malt balanced by enough hops to keep all parts of the mouth appreciative; solidly in line with the style....
Overall: Stoudt’s does lagering right, and Lew Bryson is right to celebrate this offering, with its spring/fall versatility and its by-the-six pack drainability...

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